John 16:5-11 - Homiletics

The rectory of the disciples.

Jesus now describes the power which will gain their victory over the world.

I. THE POWER WHICH WILL GIVE THE VICTORY .

1. The disciples were too absorbed by the sorrows of the approaching separation to think of anything but themselves . "But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? Bat because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart."

2. The expediency of his departure from the world . "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."

(a) A great man's greatness is usually increased by death. The removal of Christ would dissolve the illusion of familiarity. He could only be truly understood after he was gone.

(b) The souls of the apostles were greatly quickened after his departure. Their faith, hope, charity, were increased after Pentecost.

(a) He left the earth to return as a quickening Spirit. Christ after the flesh must disappear, to make way for Christ after the Spirit.

(b) The vicarious sacrifice of Christ stands to the mission of the Comforter in the relation of cause and effect.

(c) The dispensation of the Spirit is superior to the dispensation of "Christ come in the flesh," for the following reasons:

( α ) Jesus in the flesh could not be present in every place or in all the households of the world; but Christ by his Spirit can dwell in the hearts of millions at the same moment of time as the Hope of glory.

( β ) If Christ were still in the flesh, his presence would only be temporary and occasional; but Christ by his Spirit can be always everywhere at the same moment of time.

( γ ) As a matter of fact, he was never but in one spot of earth—Palestine—and never out of it. We revere Palestine as the home of our Lord, but we must rise above the mere sentiment of local association in the experience of communion with an everywhere-present Lord.

( δ ) Mere contact with Christ in the flesh would have no necessarily saving efficacy. The Jews were not converted by seeing him in the flesh.

(a) Let us rejoice in our Lord's exaltation.

(b) Let us guard against the worship of the outward.

(c) Let us learn that the Lord never takes away one blessing bat he leaves a greater in its place.

II. THE EFFECTS OF THE SPIRIT 'S COMING . " And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment."

1. The Spirit wilt convict the world of the sin of unbelief . "Because they believe not on me." The sin of the Jews was essentially unbelief; for

2. He will convict the world of righteousness . "Because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more."

3. He will convict the world of judgment . "Because the prince of this world is judged."

(a) As sin was put away by the sacrifice of himself ( Hebrews 9:26 ), the supreme Judge discharged the guilty.

(b) The accuser of the brethren could not demand their condemnation ( Romans 8:1 ).

(c) Christ broke the power of death "by destroying him that had the power of death" ( Hebrews 2:14 ).